Craftsman 917377961 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
rRAFTSMAN°
6.75 HORSEPOWER
21 MULTI-CUT
POWER PROPELLED
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.377961
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Espa_ol
• Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman
Warranty 2 Product Specifications 1
Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 15
Assembly 4 Storage 1E
Operation 6 Troubleshooting 1?
Maintenance Schedule 11 Repair Parts 3E
Maintenance 11 Parts Ordering Back Covel
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER
For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained,
lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructionsinthe
owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workmanship.
If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty
applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase.
This Warranty does notcover:
• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower
blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug.
• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, includingbent crank-
shafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructionscon-
tained in the owner's manual.
Warranty service isavailable by returning the Craftsman power mowerto the nearest
Sears Service Center/Department in the United States. This warranty applies only while
this product is in use in the United States.
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rightswhich
vary from state to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
Safety standards require operator pres-
ence controls to minimize the risk of injury.
Your unit is equipped with such controls.
Do not attempt to defeat the function of the
operator presence controls under any
circumstances.
TRAINING:
• Read this operator's manualcarefully.
Become familiar with the controls and know
how to operate yourmower properly. Learn
how to quickly stop mower.
• Do notallowchildrentouseyourmower.
Never allowadultsto use mowerwithout
properinstructions.
• Keep the area of operationclearofall
persons,especiallysmallchildrenand pets.
• Use moweronlyasthe manufacturer
intendedand as describedinthis manual.
• Do notoperatemowerifithasbeen
droppedor damaged inany manner.
Alwayshave damage repairedbeforeusing
yourmower.
• Do notuse accessorysttachments that are
notrecommendedbythe manufacturer.
Use of suchattachmentsmaybe hazard-
OU6.
• The bladeturnswhen the engineisrunning.
PREPARATION:
• Alwaysthoroughlycheck the areato be
mowedand dear it ofall stones,sticks,
wires,bones,andotherforeignobjects.
These ot_cts wiltbe thrown by the bisde
and can cause severe injury.
• A_vayswear safetyglassesoreye shields
when startingand whileusingyourmower.
• Dressproperly. Do notoperatemower
when barefoot orwearingopen sandals.
Wear only solid shoes with good traction
when mowing.
2
• _ fuel tank beforestartingengine. Do
notfillgastankindoors,whentheengineis
runningorwhenthe engineis hot. Allowthe
engine to coolfor severalminutesbefore
fillingthe gas tank. Clean offany spilled
gasolinebeforestartingtheengine.
• Alwaysmake wheel heightadjustments
beforestartingyourmower. Never attempt
to dothis while the engine isrunning.
• Mow onlyindaylightorgood artificiallight.
OPERATION:
• Keepyoureyes and mindonyourmower
and the area beingcut. Do not letother
interestsdistractyou.
• Do notmowwet or slipperygrass. Never
runwhile operatingyourmower. Alwaysbe
sureof yourfooting- keep a firmholdonthe
handlesandwalk.
• Do notputhandsor feet near or under
rotatingparts. Keep dear ofthe discharge
openingat alltimes.
• Alwaysstopthe engine whenever you leave
or are notusing yourmower,or before
crossingdriveways,walks,roads,and any
gravel-coveredareas.
• Never directdischargeofmaterial toward
bystanders nor allow anyone near the
mower while you are operating it.
• Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing
your mower, stop the engine and make
absolutelysurethe blade andall moving
partshave stopped. Then disconnectthe
sparkplug wireend keep itaway from the
sparkplugto preventaccidentalstarting.
• Do notcontinuetorunyourmowerifyou hit
a foreignobject. Followthe procedure
outlinedabove,thenrepairany damage
beforerestartingand opera_ngyourmower.
• Do not changethe governorsettingsor
overspeedthe engine. Engine damage or
personalinjurymay result.
• Do not operateyourmower if itvibrates
abnormally. Excessivevibrationis an
indicationofdamage; stopthe engine,
safelycheck for the cause of vibration and
repairas required.
• Do notrun the engineindoors.Exhaust
fumes are dangerous.
• Never cutgrassbypullingthe mower
towardsyou. Mowacrossthefaceof
slopes, never up and downor youmight
loseyourfooting. Do notmow excessively
steep slopes. Use cautionwhenoperating
the mower on uneventerrainorwhen
changing directions- maintaingoodfooting.
• Never operateyourmowerwithoutproper
guards,plates,grasscatcheror othersafety
devices in place.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:
• Checkthe bladeand the enginemounting
bolts oftento be surethey are tightened
properly.
• Check all bolts,nuts end screws at frequent
intervalsforproper tightness to be sure
mower isin safewo_ng condition.
• Keep allsafetydevicesin place and
working,
• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine fTee
of grass, leaves or excessive grease and oil.
• Check grasscatcheroftenfor deterioration
and wearand replacewere bags. Useonly
replacementbagsthat are recommended
byand complywithspecificationsof the
manufacturerof yourmower.
• Always keep a sharpbladeon yourmower.
• Allow enginetocoolbeforestoringin any
enclosure.
• Neverstore mowerwithfuel inthe tank
insidea building where fumes may reach an
openflame or an ignition source such as a
hotwater heater,space heater,clothes
dryer, etc.
_Look for this symbol to point out
importantsafety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
p_ugCAUTION: .Always disconnect spark.
wire ana p ace wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs.
,%
WARNING: The engine exhaust from
this product contains criemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer,
birthdefects, or other reproductive harm.
3
'are not
shipped with your mower. They are alsoavailableat mostSears retailoutletsand service
centers. MostSears storescanalsoorderrepairpartsforyou,whenyou providethemodel
numberofyourlawn mower. Some ofthese accessoriesmaynotapplyto yourlawnmower.
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
CUPPING DEFLECTOR
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
_( SIDE DISCHARGE
Read these instructions and this manual in
its entirety before you attempt to assemble
or operate your new lawn mower.
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the
engine.
Your new lawn mower has been as-
sembled at the factory with the exception
of those parts left unassembled for
shipping purposes. To ensure safe and
proper operation of your lawn mower, all
parts and hardware you assemble must be
tightened securely. Use the correcttools
as necessary to ensure proper tightness.
All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts,etc.,
necessary to complete the assembly have
been placed in the parts bag.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
• Remove loose parts included with
mower.
• Cut down two end corners of carton and
lay end panel down flat.
MULCHER KITS
STABILIZER
! eRASSCATCHERS
FOR
LAWN MOWERS
C_S CANS
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OIL
• Remove all packing materials except
padding between upper and lower
handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.
• Roll lawn mower out of carton and check
carton thoroughly for additional loose
parts.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as not to pinch or damage control cables.
• Raise lower handle section to operating
position and squeeze the bottom ends of
lower handle towards each other until
the pin in handle can be inserted into
one of the three height adjustment
holes.
• Remove protective padding, raise upper
handle section into place on lower
handle and tighten both handle knobs.
• Remove any packing material from
around control bar.
4
• Yourhandlesmaybeadjustedfor your
mowing comfort. Refer to Service and
Adjustments section of this manual.
Operator presence
control bar
Uft up
Liftup
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging
or discharging; See OPERATION section
ofthis manual.
Lower
handle
3-position
Handle
adjustment
bracket
Mowing
position
Handle
pin
5
K_IOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAl_AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWt
MOWER. Compare the illustrations withyourlawnmowerto familiarize yourself withthe
tocatJonofvariouscontrolsand adjustments.Save this manualforfuture reference.
These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the
product. Learn and understand their meaning.
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY
Operator presence control
controllever
Cable clip
Grass catcher
Engine oil cap w/dipstick
Wheel adjuster
lever
Mulcher
plug
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped Pr/mer
without oil or _asoline in the engine. Housing
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the
American National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commis-
sion. The blade turns when the engine is running.
Operator presence control - must be
held down to the handle to start the
engine, Release to stop the engine.
Primer - pumps additional fuel from the
carburetor to the cylinder for use when
starting a cold engine.
Starter handle - used for starting the
engine.
Gasoline cap
Mulcherdoor
Drive control bar - used to engage
power-propelled foward motion of lawn
mower.
Mulcher plug - Located at the rear
discharge opening must be removed
when converting to bagging operation.
6
operationofany lawn mowercan resultin
foreignobjectsthrownintothe eyes, whichcan
resultinsevereeye damage. Alwayswear
safetyglassesor eye shieldswhile operating
yourlawn moweror performinganyadjust-
ments or repairs. We recommenda wide
visionsafetymaskoverspectaclesorstandard
safety glasses.
HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
engine speed was set at the factory for
optimum performance. Speed is not adjust-
a_)!e.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
_kCAUTION: F.ede.ralr..agulations ,r_luire an
engine control to De install_<_on mis __wn
mower in order to minimize the risk of blade
contact injury. Do not under any
circumstances attempt to defeat the func_on
of the operator control. The blade turns when
the engine is running.
• Your lawn mower is equipped with an
operator presence control bar which
requires the operator to be positioned
behind the lawn mower handle to start and
operate the lawn mower.
TO ADJUST cUTnNG HEIGHT
• All four wheels are adjusted by a single
lever.
• Pull adjuster lever toward wheel. To raise
mower, move lever forward to desired
position.To lower mower, move the lever
toward the rear.
LowerWheels for high cut
A(_Llster J
Lever
Raise Wheels for low cut
GROUND DRIVE SPEEDS
Your lawn mower provides multiple speeds
to let you select the speed that suits you
best.
• Lower speeds are for slow, heavy/thick
grass cutting or trimming.
• Medium speeds are for normal grass
cutting or trimming.
• High is for light cutting and for ground
transport.
NOTE: Do not move speed control lever
unless the engine is running
TO OPERATE DRIVE SYSTEM
• With engine running, select ground
speed by moving speed control lever to
desired position.
• To start forward motion, pull drive
control bar back against handle.
• To stop forward motion, release drive
control bar.
IMPORTANT: Always keep drive control
bar fully engaged against handle when in
use.
lever _ _i
Speed control
Operator presence
Drive control
engaged
Drive control
disengaged
controlbar
TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or
discharging:
REAR BAGGING-
• Open rear doorand remove mulcher plug.
Storemulcherplugina safe place.
• To converttomulching or discharging
operation,installmulcher plug!nto rear
dischargeopeningof mower.
SIDE DISCHARGING-
, Rear cloormust be open.
• Open mulcher door and install discharge
deflector under guard as shown.
• Mower is now ready for discharging
operation.
• To convert to mulching or bagging opera-
tion, discharge deflector must be removed
and mulcher door must be dosed.
7
SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER
WHEN CONVERTING YOUR LAWN
MOWER
FOR MULCHING -
• Rear mulcher plug installed.
• Mulcher door closed.
FOR REAR BAGGING -
• Rear mulch_ plug removed.
• Grass catcher installed.
• Mulcher door dosed,
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -
• Rear mulcher plug installed.
• Side discharge de_k_ctor installed.
_CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without rear mulcher plug in ptace or
approved grass catcher in place.
Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with
the rear door removed or propped open.
Mulcher plug
TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER
• Uft the rear door of l_e lawn mower and
place the grass catcher frame hooks into
the slots ofthe re_ door.
• The grass catcher is secured to the lawn
mower housing when the rear door is
lowered onto the grass catcher frame.
Rear door
Grass
handle
hook
_CAUTION: Do not .runyour lawn _r
without rear mulcher ptug or approvea grass
catcher in place. Never attempt to operate
lawn mower with the rear door removed or
propped open.
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
• Lift up on grass catcher using the frame
handle.
• Remove grass catcher with clippings from
under lawn mower handle.
• Empty clippings from bag using both frame
handle and bag handle.
NOTE: DO not drag the bag when emptying;
it will cause unnecessary wear.
Open
mulcher door
Mulcher door
Discharge deflector
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL
Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the
engine.
• Be sure mower is level and area around oil
fill is dean.
• Remove engine oil cap and fill to the full
line on the dipstick.
NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into
engine for accurate dipstick reading.
• Engine holds 27 ozs. of oil, For type and
grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in
Maintenance sedion of this manual.
• Pour oilslowly. DO not over fill.
8
• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if
needed. Fill"to full line on dipstick.
• To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap
each time.
• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.
• Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or each season. You may need
to change the oil more often under dusty,
dirty conditions.
GAS
• Fillfuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will
increase carbon end lead oxide deposits
and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil with
gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that
can be used within 30 days to assure fuel
freshness.
al_lbcolW_olWAl_lNelr_l__ ndiasC_ohe_lthorat
using sthanol or msthanol) can attract
moisture which leads to separation and
formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas
can damage the fuel system of an engine
while in storage. To avoid engine problems,
the fuel system should be emptied before
storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas
tank, start the engine and let it run until the
fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh
fuel next seeson. See Storage Instructions for
add'_donalinformation. Never use engine or
carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or
permanent damage may occur.
TO START ENGINE
• To starta coldengine,pushprimerthree
(3)times beforeWing to start. Use a firm
push. This stepis notusuallynecessary
when startingan enginewhich has already
runforafew minutes.
• Holdoperatorpresencecontrolbar down
to the handle.
• To step engine, releaseoperatorpresence
control bar.
NOTE: incooler weather it may be necessary
to repeat priming steps. Inwarmer weather
over priming may cause flooding end engine
will notstart, ifyoudo flood engine wait a few
minutes before attempting to start end do not
repeat priming steps.
Gasoline
filler cap
oil cap
_ 9
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